This document provides a description of the workflow to digitize geological interpretations on Target for ArcGIS section and

plan maps. Using a combination of real data plotted on the map and expert knowledge, geologists can use their expertise to
draw interpretations on drillhole maps. The 2D interpretations for all the features on all the section maps can be saved to the
same Interpretations Geodatabase. The single file solution makes it easy to manage the interpretations and to share your
work with others. The interpretations can later be joined to create 3D surfaces and bodies.
This document will guide you through the workflow to digitize geological interpretations on drillhole section and plan maps,
including:
Setting up a new Wireframing Project
Starting to Digitize Geological Interpretations
Using the various Snapping modes
Editing Existing Interpretations
Viewing Interpretations in the 3D Viewer

Getting Started
When creating drillhole section or plan maps, be sure to select the Load to separate data frame(s) option from the
Output tab. When several maps are loaded into an existing dataframe (e.g. when using the Current data frame
option) that was not created by Target for ArcGIS plan or section tools, the location of the plane and the unique
coordinates for the individual sections are not maintained. Using separate dataframes ensures that each dataframe
has the correct coordinates needed for digitizing into an interpretations geodatabase.

If one of the dataframes in your MXD contains multiple maps then you will not be able to digitize interpretations on
dataframes in that MXD.

Before you begin digitizing geological interpretations that will be joined into a wireframe, you must first create a series of
section maps for your drillhole project. When creating the section maps, specify the downhole data to plot that you will use
as a guide when digitizing your interpretations on the map. After you have created your section maps, use the Target
Wireframing Toolbar to create the Interpretations Geodatabase, digitize interpretations, and manage the feature classes
and interpretations in the Interpretations Geodatabase.

When creating the drillhole maps, plot the downhole data from composite databases to simplify digitizing and
snapping.

If you are plotting downhole lithology, you may also want to use Post text or Text bands from the Data tab. Offset
from the rock patterns, these items can be used to highlight lithologies of interest.

Decreasing the distance between section maps and trying to position the holes as close to the centre of the section
as possible will enable you to create more accurate interpretations and wireframes.

Target Wireframing Toolbar

The Target Wireframing Toolbar drives the digitizing workflow for drawing interpretations on your section maps. If the
toolbar is not loaded in your MXD . right-click in the toolbar area under the menus, and select Target Wireframing
Toolbar. Alternatively, you can load the toolbar from Customize | Toolbars.

www.geosoft.com 1
Target for ArcGIS Guided Learning Paths

Create a new Interpretations Geodatabase and Add Feature Classes

Target Interpretations Geodatabases are a special version of an Esri File Geodatabase that stores digitized interpretations
drawn on section maps. Both polygon and polyline features can be stored in the same file geodatabase.
Interpretations Geodatabases store the following information:
XYZ locations
Coordinate system
Attributes including feature names and feature templates

The Coordinate system for your Interpretations Geodatabase will automatically be set based on the current Target
drillhole database. It is recommended that you set the Coordinate system for your drillhole project before you create
your section maps, Interpretations Geodatabase and any other output from your project. The Coordinate system for
a drillhole project is set through Data | Coordinate System.

To create a new Interpretations Geodatabase:

1. From the Target Wireframing Toolbar, select New Interpretations Geodatabase .

The New Interpretations Geodatabase dialog appears.
2. Enter an Output geodatabase name.

To add a feature class to an Interpretations Geodatabase:

1. In the New Interpretations Geodatabase dialog, to the right of the Feature classes list, select Add new feature class
.
The Add New Feature Class dialog appears.
2. Enter a new feature class Name.
3. The Type of feature stored is set to Polygon Features by default. Change it to Polyline Features if required.
Wireframing polygons will create a closed body (e.g., an alteration or lithology body). Wireframing polylines will
create an open surface (e.g., fault or vein)
4. Select the Feature Template Default tool and Drawing symbol Colour for the Feature (this colour will be used
when you are creating interpretations on section maps, and can be changed later).
5. You can optionally enter a Description for the Feature class.
6. Click Add.
7. Continue adding as many Feature classes as you require for your project to the Interpretations Geodatabase. An
Interpretations Geodatabase can store many polygon and polyline feature classes.
8. Click OK on the New Interpretations Geodatabase dialog.

If you need to change the Name, colour, digitization type or description for a feature class that you have added to
an Interpretations Geodatabase, select the Feature class name from the list in the New Target Interpretations

Geodatabase dialog and click Edit selected feature class .

2 www.geosoft.com
 Target for ArcGIS Guided Learning Paths

Open Interpretations Geodatabase

If you are returning to a project and would like to continue digitizing and managing interpretations in an existing
Interpretations Geodatabase, click Open Interpretations Geodatabase from the Target Wireframing Toolbar. The
interpretations in the Geodatabase will automatically display on the section maps they were drawn on, if present in the
current MXD.

www.geosoft.com 3